A New Era of Pragmatism? Israel Finds Willing Partners in North

A new era of pragmatism may be dawning in the Middle East, with Israel finding willing partners for peace talks in its northern neighbors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that the fall of the ideological Assad regime in Syria has opened the door to negotiations, and that the war with Hezbollah is forcing a more pragmatic approach in Lebanon.
The shift in Syria is stark. The new government, facing the practical challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, has entered into direct talks with Israel to secure its southern border. A Syrian official has confirmed that they are working towards a security and military agreement by the end of 2025.
In Lebanon, the new pragmatism is being driven by pressure. Israel’s continued strikes on Hezbollah, combined with U.S. diplomacy, are forcing the Lebanese government to make a practical choice: either risk continued instability or assert its sovereignty by disarming the militia. It has now chosen the latter.
Netanyahu highlighted this shift away from ideology. “The possibility of peace… was not even imagined before,” he said, implying that the old, rigid thinking had been a barrier. He confirmed “some progress” in talks with the new, more pragmatic Syrian leadership.
This new pragmatism is yielding concrete results. Syria is negotiating a demilitarized zone. Lebanon is planning to disarm Hezbollah. These are practical steps, born of new realities, that could lead to a more stable and peaceful region.